Hello, my name is Helen and I am a counsellor in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to its Ethical Framework. I have also undergone enhanced checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
I work as a relational integrative counsellor and am trained in a wide variety of therapeutic models (such as psychodynamic, person-centred, transactional analysis, CBT etc.) which I draw from and integrate to meet the specific needs of each of my clients. Working relationally is based upon the value of human connection and recognises that healthy relationships are fundamental for people to be able to develop, thrive and for ongoing personal wellbeing. Therefore, the therapeutic relationship which we develop together, where you feel it is safe for you to explore your feelings and heal from distress, will be at the heart of the counselling.
I work in a flexible way and tailor counselling to ensure that you get the most benefit from your therapeutic experience with me. I have a strong commitment to working with you to make sure that I fully understand your expectations of counselling and what it is you would like us to focus on.
As a counsellor, I am not exempt from life struggles. In fact, it was my own pain following a serious car accident that led to me leaving my teaching career and moving onto my journey as a counsellor. I believe that kindness, compassion and understanding are the cornerstones of life and that everyone has the potential to heal and find happiness. I provide a safe and confidential space, to listen and really hear your story and experiences, without any judgement. I will support you to explore, on a deeper level, what is happening in your life and what you feel you would like to change.
I am a warm, friendly person and a good listener; with strong empathic understanding and vast experience from my own personal life. Above all, I put my heart into my therapeutic work and love supporting people and seeing the positive changes that counselling and psychotherapy can bring about.
Areas of expertise and interest
Over the years, I have developed expertise in working with individuals who are troubled by anxiety and depression, stress, low self-esteem or have experienced a life crises such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or a traumatic event.
As a school counsellor and former teacher & SENDCo, I have a specialism in working with children and young people and also with parents .
I have an insider knowledge of what it is like to work in education so I have an interest in teacher stress and burnout and the impact of teaching on life as a whole.
Adult counselling
Children and young people's counselling
Teacher counselling
Qualifications & Experience
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills
BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status
As well as running my private practice, I currently work with the following counselling services:
Aireborough Family Services - Counselling adults within the Aireborough (Leeds) locality.
Just'B' Schools' Service - Counselling children and young people in a number of local schools.
Contact me for a free initial consultation
helen@heartofharrogatecounselling.co.uk
07563 179 031
Ashgarth Court, Harrogate, HG2 9LE.
